Kelowna

Strike activities for kids

Learning archery is one activity your kid can be doing while not in school.

As many are aware, the BC government and teachers' union have not resolved their issues and a full-scale strike is set to begin Tuesday.

Parents wondering what to do with their kids need look no further - here is a list of some local activities and day camps being offered in the Okanagan.

Kelowna Family YMCA wants parents to know that they will be running summer programs early to provide care for kids.

Adventure Club will start June 16 at the Kelowna Family YMCA providing fun-filled day camps for kids in kindergarten to age nine.

The facility’s Summer Junior Leaders program, for kids 10 to 13 years old, will be offered in the afternoons starting Monday, June 23.

Both are drop-in programs and are designed to teach kids valuable skills in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.

Also as of Monday June 16, YMCA Child Care will be running their weekly summer theme camps for kids who are currently enrolled in YMCA Before and After School Care. These camps will be held at the Kelowna Family YMCA for the first couple weeks and will return to their usual location at Studio 9, and be open to public registration, for the remaining summer months.

The Kelowna Art Gallery, Bumbershoot Theatre, and the Kelowna Museums are collaborating to offer classes for two age groups 6 to 8 and 9 to 12. All registration is being done through the Kelowna Art Gallery.

The participating organizations will vary each day of the week, and children can attend one or more days.

The Kelowna Museums will be offering their Curious Curators program, in which children explore the people, places, and nature of the Okanagan through stories and hands-on activities. Participants will learn about bugs and bees while at the B.C. Orchard Industry Museum, and will have the chance to decode messages during their visit to the Okanagan Military Museum.

At Bumbershoot Theatre participants will dive into the world of theatre, exploring character, telling stories, playing games, and creating theatre sketches.

At the Kelowna Art Gallery participants will be encouraged to let their imaginations run wild. Students will learn about artists from the past and present who are inspired by the fantastical, the absurd, and the surreal. Hands-on activities will include drawing, painting, and sculpture projects.

The pickup and drop off of participants for all classes will take place at the Kelowna Art Gallery. Children are required to bring two snacks, lunch, and a water bottle.

Schools & Scouting, a partnership between SD23 and Scouts Canada, has been providing year end two-and-a-half day, outdoor camps for students graduating from elementary to middle school for 17 years.

In-class sessions prepare students for camp experience in a wilderness setting where they will try their hand at shelter building, fire lighting, archery and lots of games and leadership building activities.

Ann Armstrong, Camp Director, said "we don't want students to miss out because of school job action so Scouts Canada has hosted a day camp for Monday through Friday, (16 to 20 June) here in Kelowna."

Armstrong has eight University students on staff, trained in teaching youth leadership and outdoor skills. Camp Counsellor Tabby is studying for a career as a teacher, "This is a great opportunity to work with young people and practice techniques I will use in the classroom".

The adventure day camp is here in Kelowna at camp Dunlop, 5325 Lakeshore Rd. for girls and boys ages 6 to 12 years. The fee is $185 for the 5 days and may run the following week if schools remain closed.

The Kelowna Yacht club is also offering sailing, kayak and paddle boarding classes to kids (all ages) during the strike - $15 for 1/2 a day and $25 for full day

The H20 Aquatic Centre has day and night events on offer as well.

Campers will attend aquatic lessons based on the YMCA’s National Swimming Program each morning (Swimmers will be placed in a skill and stroke development class appropriate to their level). They will have exclusive use of the Flow Rider with instruction and a trainer for an hour and learn basic lifesaving skills as a junior lifeguard in training!

PM Theme Camps:
Changing theme-related crafts, structured active games, group challenges and character building activities help make each week a unique experience! Add in twice weekly dips in the pool and a Friday movie to end each week, and you have the ingredients for a week full of memories!

Starting Monday, the City of Kelowna is offering Sport & Activity Day Camps at Parkinson Recreation Centre for boys and girls aged 7-11. Activities are varied and will include sports, games and swimming.

Drop off is 7:30 a.m., pick up is 5:15 p.m. and the cost is $40 per day. Kids need to bring a lunch, towel & bathing suit and be prepared for a day full of fun.

Parents/guardians can register by stopping by Parkinson Recreation Centre or by phoning 250-469-8800. Drop-ins are welcome if space is available.

Pacific Top Team Kelowna is running a strike relief kids camp. This camp starts Monday June 16, 2014.

Kids drop off will be around 8:30 a.m., and pick up will be 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. They will be learning Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Self-Defense, Spanish and so much more!

Emphasis will be on the children meeting new friends, and having a great time in a safe and fun environment.
Prices range from $40 for a half day, to $220 a week depending on what you need!

You can register your children on our website, or you are welcome to come to our front desk to see facility, talk to the instructors, and register there.

Fitkidz Gymnastics in Penticton has camps running during the Teacher Strike.

Camps are for children 5-12 years old.

Activities will include gymnastics, games, arts and crafts with Create and Paint and more.

People can choose between 1/2 days (8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and full days (8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and camps will start Tuesday, June 17th and will run until there is a resolution or summer begins.

Families can register at our gym at 199 Ellis St in Penticton or by phone at 250-486-5348.

Introducing Okanagan Ice and Training Centre’s full day Power Skating Camps:

Week 1: June 17 to 20 / Week 2: June 23 to 27

• Drop Off 7:30-8:00 a.m. / Pick Up 3:30-4:00 p.m.

• Age Groups six to nine / 10 and up

• Full Equipment required

• Four on ice sessions / Two dry land sessions

• Week 1 Daily Rate: $60 / Week Rate: $220

• Week 2 Daily Rate: 60 / Week Rate: $280

*Rate ends June 30

Please Bring:

• Lunch and Snacks

• Water Bottle

• Running Shoes

• Road Hockey Stick

Photo: Contributed - Scouts and Schools

Wilderness safety is another useful skill being taught at day camps while the strike is on.

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